The Tucson Festival of Books Committee has raised $200,000 for
literacy.

At a recent event, checks were presented to the Literacy for
Life Coalition, Reading Seed and the University of Arizona.

"This is the real success of the first Tucson Festival of Book,"
said Bill Viner, one of the festival's founders. "We are able to
significantly help promote literacy in our community."

With more than 50,000 guests, attendance at last year's event
"ranked with the top book festivals in the nation," Viner
continued. With the Diamond Children's Medical Center signing on as
its new presenting sponsor, "we expect that this year's festival
will continue to grow and continue to have a positive impact in our
community."

Authors J.A. Jance and Elmore Leonard have committed for the
2010 festival. They are among 400 who have said they would come to
the March 13-14 event. "We expect to have more major announcements
of both new and returning authors very soon," Viner said.

The second annual Tucson Festival of Books will be held on the
University of Arizona Mall will continue to fund local literacy
efforts. Featured are a large children's area, author presentations
and round-tables, book signings, exhibits, food and fun.